|
Now, that you have a new tattoo, how are you going to take care of it?
Remember: From this point on, your artist is not
responsible for any infection or problems you may develop/have with your tattoo, if you don't take proper care of it.
It is very important that you follow these guidelines. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a painful, horrorible
and expensive experience if the proper aftercare is not taken.
Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria and
infection. So, leave the bandage on for one to two hours.
If you can't resist the temptation to show off your new
tattoo, ask your artist if he/she can cover it with clear cellophane wrap, so the tattoo can be viewed without the protective
layer being removed.
Once you remove the bandage you need to wash the tattooed area.
Use lukewarm water
and antibacterial soap to gently wash away any blood, lymph secretions or ointment and completely clean the area. Rinse, rinse
again.
Now re-wash the area again and rinse it a couple more times.
Do not use a anything, (i.e. washcloth),
other than your fingers.
Then pat, (do not rub), the area with a CLEAN paper towel to get it completely dry, throw
the paper towel away.
Next, apply a drop or two of Emu oil and message gently with your clean fingertip.
Your skin will absorb the oil into the epidermal layer. Repeat a few times a day. Listen to your body, it will tell you when
its getting dry. Most people experience a tightening and or slight discomfort or itching of the tattooed area.
(As a
bonus- Emu oil is an anti-inflammatory, watch that red vanish overnight).
The state recommends we advise you to
use Bacitracin or Triple Biotic ointments. (CAUTION: Apply only enough ointment to obtain a layer simular to the oil you would find on the side of your nose.
TOO MUCH OINTMENT SMOTHERS THE TATTOO AREA AND PREVENTS PROPER HEALING).
(Do not use Neosporin, this is a great
product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Some people have an allergic reaction to the Neosporin, which causes little
red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you end up with portions of your tattoo missing).
Appy
your moistening agent of choice a few times a day for three or four days.
After that, you can use a lotion, (i.e.
Lubiderm), when needed instead of oil or ointment, to keep the area moistened.
(Remember, your skin cells were
damaged by needles pushing ink into the epidermis. So, your cells can't perform some of their regular work,[making body oil].
You may notice some peeling of skin in your tattooed area, resembling a sunburn peeling. This is natural; also,
some of that skin may have ink pigment attached to it. Don't freak-out, your tattoo is not leaking out of your body.
Excessive scabbing indicates a poorly-healed tattoo.
You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it
begins to heal. Don't pick, and don't scratch!
If the skin itches, slap it gently . If it is peeling, put lotion on
it. And if it is scabbing, just leave it alone, let it finish healing.
Your new tattoo is almost healed, and this
is not the time to ruin it!
Its healed, GREAT!
Now you need to take care of your tattoo. You take care
of your body and belongings, don't you?
From this point on, you will always want to protect your tattoo
from the sun's ultraviolet rays.
These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast.
Before spending a lot
of time in sunlight, protect your tattoo with a sunblock. This will keep your tattoo looking fantastic for many years.
Its your tat, its your life, treat it any way you want.
(But who wants something that looks like crap? No brainer!)
|
